Suspension Problems

Tenchi · 08-21-2003, 11:42 AM

I think I am having suspension problems but I am not sure. here are some symptoms that I am having:

1) car rides rough, expecially over the tinest of bumps

2) when going over medium bumps at low speeds, there is a loud thunk that reverberates throught the cabin

3) at high speeds on the highway (90-100) the car feels like its shaking

4) taking tight corners, I can feel the steering wheel vibrate

5) whn slowly going over spped bumps, the steering wheel moves a lot more than it used to.

Now, I did take the car in but they said that they cant duplicate the problem. Anyone have an idea whats wrong?

tim330i · 08-21-2003, 11:53 AM

Could be your control arm bushings. Do you have aftermarket stuff installed?

Tim

Tenchi · 08-21-2003, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tim330i
Could be your control arm bushings. Do you have aftermarket stuff installed?

Tim

no...completely stock.

U know what....control arm bushings.....on my 2000 328 I had similar problems and thats what they replaced. But the dealer said they could not find anything wrong

vinnymac · 08-21-2003, 12:17 PM

Could be front control arm bushings...which could explain some the steering vibration.

Overall, it sounds like some sore of suspension issue...how do your rear shock mounts look?

Tenchi · 08-21-2003, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vinnymac
Could be front control arm bushings...which could explain some the steering vibration.

Overall, it sounds like some sore of suspension issue...how do your rear shock mounts look?

I havent looked at the rear shock mounts yet since the car is still at the dealership. What should I look for specifically?

teamdfl · 08-21-2003, 01:11 PM

Sounds like front control arm bushings and ball joints. I found that even the "upgraded" control arms have crappy ball joints and bushings so don't think that your new control arms will last for the life of the car.

Ed

vinnymac · 08-21-2003, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by teamdfl
Sounds like front control arm bushings and ball joints. I found that even the "upgraded" control arms have crappy ball joints and bushings so don't think that your new control arms will last for the life of the car.

Ed

I agree with Ed. The "upgraded" E46 control arm bushings are nothing to write home about. I'm on my 3rd pair...the 1st pair lasted less than 10k miles and the 2nd pair lasted less than 2k miles...who knows how long my current bushings will last...hopefully, I can get them changed out right before my warranty expires.

dboffa · 08-21-2003, 01:20 PM

Bushings are going on all three BMWs in my family right now. I hear it happens to everyone.

Tenchi · 08-21-2003, 03:45 PM

Well, I talked to the service advisor, and asked him about the control arm bushings....his response. There is nothing wrong with your car even though it vibrates as if I had a pair of 2000 watt speakers pounding away in the back.

I have an appt with another dealer on the 4th. Sucks cuz they give out toyota camry's as loaners.

08-21-2003, 11:42 AM	#1
Tenchi Just a Brand-wh0re Elitist Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Boston --> Seattle Posts: 3,829 My Ride: 330i, 535i View My Garage	Suspension Problems I think I am having suspension problems but I am not sure. here are some symptoms that I am having: 1) car rides rough, expecially over the tinest of bumps 2) when going over medium bumps at low speeds, there is a loud thunk that reverberates throught the cabin 3) at high speeds on the highway (90-100) the car feels like its shaking 4) taking tight corners, I can feel the steering wheel vibrate 5) whn slowly going over spped bumps, the steering wheel moves a lot more than it used to. Now, I did take the car in but they said that they cant duplicate the problem. Anyone have an idea whats wrong?

08-21-2003, 11:53 AM	#2
tim330i Owner/Admin Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: Boston Posts: 10,551 My Ride: 03 Ti Silver M3 View My Garage	Could be your control arm bushings. Do you have aftermarket stuff installed? Tim __________________ The F32 4 Series Coupe - On sale summer 2013 More pictures of the F32 4 Series Coupe

08-21-2003, 01:11 PM	#6
teamdfl Lemony Fresh Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: Awesome, NJ Posts: 4,431 My Ride: 325it View My Garage	Sounds like front control arm bushings and ball joints. I found that even the "upgraded" control arms have crappy ball joints and bushings so don't think that your new control arms will last for the life of the car. Ed __________________ Mod the driver first. Participate in your local BMWCCA driving school. Have you joined BMWCCA yet? My Track Schedule The solution to the lack of headroom in the X6

08-21-2003, 01:20 PM	#8
dboffa Like school on a Sunday... Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: rome, italy Posts: 845 My Ride: mezzi pubblici View My Garage	Bushings are going on all three BMWs in my family right now. I hear it happens to everyone. __________________ ALPACA CLUB - 11/10/03 "The trouble with quotes on the internet is that it is difficult to determine if they are genuine." Abraham Lincoln

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08-21-2003, 12:17 PM	#4
vinnymac St. Louis BMW Fanatic Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: Saint Louis, Missouri Posts: 7,155 My Ride: 2011 335is View My Garage	Could be front control arm bushings...which could explain some the steering vibration. Overall, it sounds like some sore of suspension issue...how do your rear shock mounts look?

08-21-2003, 03:45 PM	#9
Tenchi Just a Brand-wh0re Elitist Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Boston --> Seattle Posts: 3,829 My Ride: 330i, 535i View My Garage	Well, I talked to the service advisor, and asked him about the control arm bushings....his response. There is nothing wrong with your car even though it vibrates as if I had a pair of 2000 watt speakers pounding away in the back. I have an appt with another dealer on the 4th. Sucks cuz they give out toyota camry's as loaners.